Winter often gets dragged for being a particularly harsh season on our skin. Heating, dehumidifiers, and the rapid change of temperatures have long been attributed to the hallmarks of dry skin. Clear blue skies, crisp air, and lavish winter layers are hard to admire when you’re literally faced with increased sensitivity due to the weather.
Founder of New Zealand botanical skincare brand Raaie Katey Mandy suggests winter is the ideal time to revisit your skincare. “The colder months bring unique challenges for skin health, such as dryness, and sensitivity, but its also a great time to introduce tailored treatments such as vitamin A, an ingredient that produces great results but can make your skin more sensitive to the sun,” she says.
“While you sleep, your skin repairs and rejuvenates itself, replenishing vital nutrients and repairing damage inflicted by UV and other daily environmental stressors. To make all this possible, your body increases blood flow to the skin at night time which has the added benefit of giving better absorption of skincare products.”
Below, we walk you through the signs of dry skin and suggest which products we recommend to tackle your concerns.
6 Signs your skin needs a hydration boost:
When our skin is dry, it’s typical to experience some (or all) of the following. Though not a major cause for concern, they are good indicators that you need to revisit your skin care regimen, cycling in more products that promise hydration and barrier protection.
1. Texture
Texture is one of the first tell-tale signs you’ve got dry skin, resulting in a complexion that feels rough and uneven to the touch. It may lack smoothness and feel rougher than usual.
Try: The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 from Farmers.
Medium and high molecular weight HA molecules deliver hydration to multiple layers of the skin.
2. Tightness
We love a taut jawline, but we detest tight skin. If your skin tends to feel tight, especially after cleansing or exposure to harsh environmental conditions, this sensation is a sign you’re not getting sufficient moisture content in the skin.
Try: Activist Green Botanical Serum, $125 from Tonic Room.
Rich in omegas and antioxidants, nourishing seaweed, cleansing Manuka and Kawakawa oils, Activist Green Botanical Serum is a fast absorbing serum which soaks straight into the skin to smooth the appearance of fine lines, soothes irritation, acne and redness.
3. Flaking
One of the most visible signs of dry skin is flaking. Dry skin cells can become dull, rough, and start to peel or flake off, leaving a patchy appearance on the skin’s surface. Look for a gentle but effective chemical exfoliant to swathe away dead skin cells before doubling down on hydrating serums or creams.
Try: Dermalogica Liquid Peelfoliant, $130.
Experience a reduction in the appearance of wrinkles; brighter, more even skin; and visibly minimised pores.
4. Irritation
Redness and inflammation can be a giveaway that you’re suffering from dry skin. The skin’s protective barrier weakens when dry, making it more susceptible to environmental factors that can cause redness and irritation.
Try: Clinique Moisture Surge™ Intense 72-Hour Lipid Replenishing Hydrator, $159.
A rich formula which locks in moisture with a trio of lipids, strengthening skin’s barrier to keep aggressors out.
5. Ageing
Feel like you’ve got more fine lines and wrinkles all of a sudden? You might not be imagining it. Inadequate moisture in the skin can accentuate the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. This is why we look to products that plump and hydrate to minimise signs of premature ageing.
Try: Emma Lewisham Supernatural Face Crème Riche, $158.
This iconic, velvet-like crème deeply moisturises and lifts the look of skin with 32 ingredient sources of plumping hydration, which help improve the look of fine lines while enhancing skin clarity, glow and suppleness.
6. Dullness
Dry skin often lacks radiance and appears dull or lacklustre. It may lack the healthy glow associated with well-moisturised skin.
Try: The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%, $12.80 from Life Pharmacy.
Also known as vitamin B3, this hydrating water-based serum is great for brightening dry skin, reinforcing the skin barrier while reducing blemishes and congestion.
Our cold weather heroes:
The winning winter skin duo
Try:
Raaie The Lunar Repair Duo, $270.
The Lunar Repair Duo is a night time skincare routine that accelerates the natural recovery process, and helps you to wake up to healthier, rejuvenated looking skin.
The cleansing balm
Try:
Sunday Riley Blue Moon Tranquility Cleansing Balm, $91 from Mecca.
Combining a gentle sugar-based formulation, your skin will be left feeling thoroughly cleansed, comfortable and glowing. This blue cleansing balm restores moisture and calms eczema and irritation all while delivering a decadent cleansing experience.
The hydrating face spray
Try:
Clinique Moisture Surge Face Spray, $61 from Sephora.
Bursting with moisture and active aloe, rapidly replenishes skin’s moisture level, restoring balance, while softening and soothing in a flash. You’ll want to keep this one handy at your office desk or in your handbag.
The body brush
Try:
Tronque Ionic Body Brush, $70.
Made from extra fine ion-charged copper bristles, this body brush stimulates the lymph nodes’ ability to detoxify the blood. Along with all the powerful benefits of dry brushing, expect smoother, brighter skin, with reduced cellulite, lymphatic drainage and reduced inflammation.
The hand cream
Try:
Sans [ceuticals] Barrier Restore Body + Hand Butter, $58.
A rich, luxurious butter loaded with 5% niacinamide, oat extract, ceramides, ceramide-boosters and nourishing omegas to restore the skin’s barrier function.
The body lotion
Try:
kit: Body Nutrition Lotion, $40 from Mecca.
An ultra-hydrating lotion with a lightweight natural body feel, made for undernourished skin. Curated with a potent kit of natural oils and an adaptogenic blend of ginseng, peony, hibiscus and liquorice root to assist with relief from dehydration, oxidative stress and uneven tone and texture. Plus, its scent will keep you going back for more.
